Motivation works like a driving force. Thanks to it, we are able to work faster and achieve better results. But how to build and maintain high motivation among employees? What motivators for work are the most effective?

Why is it important to care about the right motivation pworkers?

A conscious employer knows how important it is to constantly and effective motivation of employees. Motivation drives action. A motivated employee is an efficient employee who easily performs his professional tasks, willingly engages in new projects and quickly overcomes any obstacles that appear on the way to the goal. A motivated employee often comes up with his own initiatives and proposes unconventional, innovative solutions, which translates into the development of the entire company.

Motivation is one of the important factors building the atmosphere in the team. People who are motivated to act and want to achieve excellent results feel better at work, willingly come to work and spread a positive atmosphere around them.

What's more, motivation can clearly reduce the employee turnover rate. People who feel appreciated and fulfilled in the company do not look for a new job. They feel loyalty and attachment to their current employer, who cares about their well-being and satisfaction with their duties. This aspect is particularly important in today's labor market, from which the generations of Baby Boomers are slowly leaving, and people born in the late 90s of the twentieth century appear in their places. The new generation of workers demand something different from their jobs. They need good atmosphere at work, satisfying and interesting job and appropriate motivators for work.

Positive or negative motivation?

Motivation can be divided into positive and negative. Elements of the former is a system of rewards and praise. Positive motivation is not just remuneration, but also additional bonuses, benefits such as the opportunity to participate in a prestigious industry event, flexible working hours, or verbal recognition. Positive motivation drives action. The employee knows that he will be rewarded for good work and outstanding achievements.

Negative motivation is all disciplinary measures, including regulations, reprimands, fines or reminders. These are warnings that show what can happen if you break the rules. The justification of negative motivation is the fact that showing mistakes and drawing consequences towards those responsible for them is to prevent making these mistakes in the future. In reality, however, the use of penalties and warnings can act as a deterrent rather than motivating. Fear of punishment can make it difficult to work efficiently. Much better in the long term are positive motivators at work that support creativity and productivity.

The theory of motivation - effective motivators for work

It is worth looking at what theorists say about motivation. The basic approach to the issue of motivation is Maslow's pyramid. The basis of the pyramid are physiological needs (time for a meal, a comfortable workplace). Just above them is a sense of security (stability of employment, adequate remuneration). Higher in the hierarchy are the affiliation needs (good atmosphere, sense of being part of the company, positive employee relations), recognition (praise, appreciation, bonuses) and finally - self-realization (possibility of development). According to Maslow, lower-level needs must be met first, and then higher-level needs can be addressed. Doing it in the reverse order will not work. The needs included in Maslow's hierarchy can be defined as the main motivators for work.

JW Atkinson gives a slightly different theory. According to him, what motivates people to act is:

• the value of the goal
• belief in the possibility of achieving the goal,
• external incentive related to the goal.

This means that the goal should be in line with the values important to the employee, and also possible to achieve - and at the same time not too difficult and not too easy. Encouragement to achieve the goal can be praise, additional benefits or the prospect of promotion. Then the employee's motivation is at its highest.

And what does it look like in practice? What motivators for work are the most effective?

Financial motivators for work

The first and most obvious motivator to work is money. The bigger they are, the more they motivate you to act and encourage you to make further efforts. Earnings should be adjusted to the type of duties performed, and at the same time satisfying and the same or higher than the market average. The new generation is guided by the principle of "I work to live, not live to work". This means that work should provide employees with such income that will enable them to pay for all liabilities (a flat, credit, bills, current payments), and at the same time allow for financing holidays abroad, investing in personal development and pursuing private passions. 

In addition to the basic salary, raises, additional discretionary or performance-based bonuses are good motivators rewards for employees for outstanding achievements.

And what, apart from pay, motivates employees?

An effective motivator for work are undoubtedly favorable employment conditions, including an attractive system of benefits. Entry cards to sports facilities, a company car for private use, vouchers for employee shopping, Christmas packages, or attractive employee discounts - benefits can be an additional incentive to act.

The prestige of the position held and the prestige of the entire organization are also of great importance. Prestige can translate into high social status and respect from the environment, which in itself is an effective motivator for work.

Today's employee wants to constantly develop. He wants to improve his competences, get promoted and create an attractive CV. Therefore, an effective motivator for work is the possibility of personal development. As an employer, you should see the potential of individual employees and create the right conditions for their development.

An excellent non-wage motivator for work is work-life balance, i.e. maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. Working overtime and frequent business trips disrupt the balance between private life and career. Today's employee wants to have time to relax with family and friends, or sometimes escape to a quiet place for a while, to rest from the city noise, recharge the batteries and come back to work with new energy.

Good atmosphere in the company as an effective motivator for work

We spend at least 8 hours at work every day, which gives us up to 1/3 of our entire life. That's why we want to feel good in it. In order to be effective and successful, an employee needs a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in the workplace. What contributes to a good working atmosphere? In addition to the support of the boss, fair treatment and a logical division of duties, these are relations with colleagues. 

The team can be integrated both at work and outside of it. Effective forms of integration include, among others: interesting games that will diversify everyday work, joint trips to restaurants or other places, parties company, inspiring workshops and company trips filled to the brim with extraordinary attractions. They can be especially helpful employee trips. A two- or three-day trip to a picturesque place is a guarantee of great fun and unforgettable adventures. The peaceful surroundings are conducive to deepening friendly relations. Integration trip is a way to relax the atmosphere and awaken motivation to act.